There are many ways to find tradesmen, and one of the ways that is increasing is lead generation. This is where you go online to fill in the details of your job, you then get contacted by usually between three and five tradesmen in your area who will quote for you. But with such a choice how do you know that what you are getting is what you need to avoid the cowboy?

DIY Doctor has reviewed the vetting procedures of many of these companies and has concluded that the best source for finding tradespeople is through TrustMark. The following points are why we have reached this conclusion:

TrustMarkwas launched in 2006, and it is the Government endorsed not-for-profit quality mark for tradesmen.

It has over 20,000 licenced trades throughout the UK.

It is a free service to householders which allows them to select a tradesman in the knowledge that the firms’ competence and fair trading practices have been independently checked.

Firms are vetted and registered via Scheme Operators.

They sign up to a carefully-monitored and audited code of practice that includes insurance, good health and safety practices, and customer care.

TrustMark is the only scheme requiring onsite inspections carried out by independent, qualified inspectors.

The firms work to Government endorsed standards. They offer insurance backed warranties and deposit protection, and a simple complaints procedure.

TrustMark aims to achieve the right balance between consumer protection, industry practicalities and costs.

Complaints regarding TrustMark and the compliance of Scheme Operators are extremely low, the latest figures show one complaint per 9,500 jobs done.

For more information on finding a good tradesman and avoiding the cowboy – click here to find out about our Home Improver Protection Solution.